Residents of Brgy Cabacungan, La Castellana in Negros Occidental condemned an attack by the New People’s Army (NPA) and the killing of an innocent civilian amid typhoon Odette at 6:30 a.m. on December 20, an Army press release said Monday, December 27.
The victim was identified as Mario Nilles Landisa, 53, who was killed in So. Mantuhod, Brgy Cabacungan.
Initial investigation showed that the NPA rebels demanded that the victim give them rice and money. However, the victim told them that he was also affected by the typhoon and could not afford to give them rice, the press release said.
Despite his pleas, he was shot mercilessly by the four rebels that led to his instantaneous death. The four, who spoke in Cebuano, identified themselves as NPA members. One of them was apprehended by the police and was identified as Joveto Landisa Leonar, a cousin of the victim and a NPA member, the press release added.
Brig. Gen. Inocencio Pasaporte, 303rd Brigade commander, said “We will not let this pass without any action that will bring to account all those behind this despicable act against the innocent civilian amidst the destruction brought by typhoon Odette. The full might of the law will take its course. This is no longer a fight between your security forces in Negros and the NPAs but a fight of the entire people in Negros Island. These terrorists do not value life. They do not have a conscience”. *